Reconstructive Dentistry

Lifetime Family Dental

6 months ago

Reconstructive dentistry is definitely one of the most rewarding treatments for both dentists and patients. Gum disease, tooth decay, accidents or defects may negatively impact your quality of life for years. Major dental problems don’t get better over time – they just keep getting worse. However, a full smile makeover can finally give you back the smile you deserve. Restoring your teeth to their proper dimensions and position makes your smile look younger, healthier and more vibrant. Patients who undergo reconstructive dentistry with Dr. Norton often describe it as a life changing experience.

Reconstructive dentistry procedures address the following problems:

Substantial tooth decay

Tooth fracture

Excessive tooth wear

Misshapen teeth

Teeth that are improperly spaced (crooked, crowded or separated by wide gaps)

Tooth loss

Tooth discoloration that does not respond to whitening

Advanced gum disease

Deterioration of jaw bone tissue

Jaw misalignment leading to TMJ

What Can Dental Reconstruction Do for You?

Unlike purely cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry focuses on restoring both function and aesthetics. Treatment can have many goals:

Reduce or eliminate oral pain or sensitivity in teeth, gums and jaw

Restore normal chewing and biting ability

Make damaged teeth strong and whole again

Replace missing teeth with durable prosthetics

Rebuild healthy gum and bone tissue

Space teeth properly for maximum function and attractive appearance

Create proper alignment between the upper and lower teeth

Address tooth and jaw issues that are causing speech problems

Treat any underlying disease conditions such as periodontitis before they cause further damage

Correct congenital dental abnormalities such as cleft palate

When you have major dental problems, it’s important to have your mouth reconstructed as a whole system rather than piecemeal. This is the best way to reduce the chances of recurring problems down the road. Your evaluation with us will include an in-depth look at how all of your teeth work together as well as the health of your gums and jaw.

What Types of Procedures Are Used in Reconstructive Dentistry?

Here are a few of the treatments available for smile reconstruction:

Tooth extraction prior to replacement with a prosthetic

Porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays to make teeth strong and whole again

Root canal to cure tooth infections and restore decayed teeth

Dental bonding to restore a damaged tooth’s original dimensions or fill small cavities

Bridges and/or dental implants to replace one or more lost teeth

Dentures to replace several missing teeth or to replace all teeth

Bone grafting and gum grafting to restore support structures for teeth

More Information about Reconstructive Dentistry

Extensive dental reconstruction may require a team approach with several of our dental experts and specialists working together to fix your smile. For example, a periodontist might help you get gum disease under control so a prosthodontist can fit you with an implant-supported bridge. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon might be involved to perform bone grafting while an orthodontist could provide correction for misaligned teeth. Of course, there is some overlap between specialties. Either way, you will have the best results if you:

Commit to completing treatment

Adhere to all post-procedure instructions

Follow up with regular dental care for cleanings and exams

Practice good oral hygiene every day

Not all dental restorations are permanent. However, most can be successfully replaced as long as you have been taking great care of your teeth and gums. With Lifetime Family Dental, you can keep your smile looking great for the rest of your life.